County Fermanagh - Environment<< Fermanagh Homepage |
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1. Scenic Drives |
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The Erne Waterway & its mountainsCo. FermanaghENNISKILLEN The summer visitor to the 'capital of the Ulster Lakeland" will probably hear foreign language spoken as often as if he were in Dublin. for the pleasure cruising and angling on Upper and Lower Lough Erne (50 miles in length) have become increasingly popular with Europeans, tired of congested or polluted lakes. The tourist passing through will find waterbuses offering short trips. TRORY A side road leads to the Devenish Island ferry. DEVENISH ISLAND Has the best-preserved round tower in Ireland, also St Molaise's Oratory (12th century), Teampul Mor (12th century) and the Augustinian Abbey of St Mary (12th - 15th Century). KILLADEAS In the churchyard the Bishop's Stone has pagan carving on one side and Christian on another illustrating how the early monks went 'softly softly' about converting the pagans. CASTLE ARCHDALE A forest country park,nature reserve, angling centre, marina and caravan camp where a passer-by can get a 'lift' out to White Island. A shorter ferry hop is from Aghinver, off the loop road to Kesh. WHITE ISLAND A ruined 12th century church contains eight weird stone figures still causing archaeologists to argue if all are Christian or some are pagan. The scenic loop to Kesh gives fine views over the lake and passes ruined Crevenish Castle where a plot to murder the planter inhabitants in the 1641 rising was foiled by the butler. KESH Pleasant village on the Kesh river where a side road leads to Muckross Bay which has a marina with bathing beach. Good lake and river fishing in all directions. BOA ISLAND Bridges enable the road to traverse the island, said to be the last place in Ireland where druids practised. One believes it on seeing the sinister two faced stone idols in Caldragh old graveyard. Half-way along the island a free phone enables one to summon the ferry to pretty Lustybeg Island. CASTLE CALDWELL FOREST At the entrance a memorial in the shape of a bass fiddle commemorates a fiddler drowned by falling overorad during one of the boisterous waterborne parties beloved of the 18th Century gentry of Fermanagh. Nature trails and hides to watch waterfowl. BELEEK The famous pottery may be observed in the making. KINLOUGH At the head of Lough Melvin with its world famous salmon and three kinds of trout. GLENADE a splendid glacial valley whose lake is so lovely it is worth driving right round. Traverse Manorhamilton and Glenfarne towards Belcoo. BELCOO Turn due south a mile before the village, and all the streams the road crosses as it runs round the foot of Cuilcagh (2188ft) are flowing together to form the mighty Shannon. In the times of Queen Maeve and Cuchullain this valley separated the Connaughtmen and the Ulstermen who slaughtered each other for a bull. It is wild scenery all the way to Swanlinbar. KINAWLEY Back in Fermanagh again, turn right then left after a mile to circle round Knockninny hill rising steeply from the plain. Here Upper Lough Erne surprises the eye as a labyrinth of water and island. DERRYLIN Head due east and the road leaps across the lake via two bridges giving splendid panoramas, continued at the Corradillar peninsula with its nature reserve, angling facilities and bathing shore. LISNASKEA A long town of much character, whose old market house has the wise inscription "Live and Let Live". It was home to Johnny Patterson who composed "the garden where the praties grow " and "The stone outside Dan Murphy's door." Castle Balfour is a fine pile on the edge of the town. CARRYBRIDGE The handsome bridge across the Erne has seen a busy marina spring up, serving mainly the polyglot cruising fraternity passing from one lake to the other and exchanging advice and greetings. BELLENALECK More boats by the score, with restaurants, hotels and hostelries, but it cannot be called the Erne's Piccadilly Circur - only because there are even more cruisers and anglers at the Round O in Enniskillen O. Show me all the details for The Erne Waterway & its mountains | |
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2. Caves |
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Marble Arch CavesMarlbank Scenic Loop, Co. FermanaghThe guided tour of the caves lasts approx. 1 hour 15 minutes and includes an underground boat journey. Comfortable walking shoes and a warm sweater are recommended. There is a reception area at the Caves which incorporates an informative display area, lecture theatre, souvenir shop and snack-bar. Worksheets and project information are available for school parties. The audio-visual presentation entitled "The Marble Arch Experience" is well worth viewing. There is also a lovely nature trail along the Claddagh Glen which passes by the Cascades. The Caves may be closed after heavy rain - if in doubt, please ring prior to visit. Booking is essential for groups. | |
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3. Tourist Attractions |
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Enniskillen Town HallCo. FermanaghThe architectual style of the building is renaissance, freely interpreted. The general facade and most of the tower are faced with finely punched Carrickareagh dark limestone, forming a pleasing contrast with the rich cream Dungannon sandstone of the columns, cornices, and the statues which ornament the building. Before entering, the visitor should also take time to view the imposing oak doors, their elaborate decoration hand-carved by a local craftsman. William Scott, whose illustrated biography is on display just inside. On then into the cool and spacious LOBBY where a detailed mosaic depicting Enniskillen's earlier coat of arms is set into the floor. Created by specially commissioned Italian artists, this is the only part of the floor which is original - the rest, damaged by a terrrorist bomb in 1972, having been carefully reconstructed to harmonise with the mosaic. | |
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4. Nature Reserves |
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Castle Archdale IslandsCo. FermanaghThese small, hilly islands are the tops of drumlins, the lower parts of which were drowned when Lough Erne was formed. The relatively unspoilt woodland on these islands is a mixture of many species including oak, yew and ash. These trees grow tall and from the canopy of the woodland whilst underneath, willow and hazel spread their branches to gather light. The spindle tree, with its green stems, grows here too but is hard to find. Only in autumn when its leaves turn dark red and the fruits are bright pink and red does it stand out, then also aspens add a splash of colour with their golden, circular leaves. Open glades in the wood with dense leafy areas of bracken, bramble, hawthorn and ivy provide the ideal home for the garden warbler. This uncommon small brown bird nests close to the ground amongst the foliage. The central part of Inishmakill was once improved for agriculture but the only evidence of this past use are old field ditches and the walls of a house , abondoned in the 1930's, now virtually swallowed up in the trees. Unlike the surrounding forests which are coniferous, the majority of the trees in the Country Park are deciduous. The most important tree is the native Oak which supports a great many insects and subsequently birds and other animals. Together with Ash, the Oak forms the upper canopy of mature trees beneath which flourishes a wide variety of shrubs and ground cover. Visitors to Lough Erne find Castle Archdale a good base with its excellent marina and slipway. Boats are available for hire for those wishing to explore the nearby islands, some of which are National Nature Reserves. Features within the Park include a red deer enclosure, rare breeds collection, wildfowl pond, nature trail, butterfly garden and wildflower meadow. | |
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5. Islands |
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Castle Archdale IslandsCo. FermanaghThese small, hilly islands are the tops of drumlins, the lower parts of which were drowned when Lough Erne was formed. The relatively unspoilt woodland on these islands is a mixture of many species including oak, yew and ash. These trees grow tall and from the canopy of the woodland whilst underneath, willow and hazel spread their branches to gather light. The spindle tree, with its green stems, grows here too but is hard to find. Only in autumn when its leaves turn dark red and the fruits are bright pink and red does it stand out, then also aspens add a splash of colour with their golden, circular leaves. Open glades in the wood with dense leafy areas of bracken, bramble, hawthorn and ivy provide the ideal home for the garden warbler. This uncommon small brown bird nests close to the ground amongst the foliage. The central part of Inishmakill was once improved for agriculture but the only evidence of this past use are old field ditches and the walls of a house , abondoned in the 1930's, now virtually swallowed up in the trees. Unlike the surrounding forests which are coniferous, the majority of the trees in the Country Park are deciduous. The most important tree is the native Oak which supports a great many insects and subsequently birds and other animals. Together with Ash, the Oak forms the upper canopy of mature trees beneath which flourishes a wide variety of shrubs and ground cover. Visitors to Lough Erne find Castle Archdale a good base with its excellent marina and slipway. Boats are available for hire for those wishing to explore the nearby islands, some of which are National Nature Reserves. Features within the Park include a red deer enclosure, rare breeds collection, wildfowl pond, nature trail, butterfly garden and wildflower meadow. | |
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6. Parks |
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Castle Archdale Country ParkCo. FermanaghThe Park and surrounding area are rich in historical features; early settlers found Lough Erne a convenient and safe transport route and the islands provided solitude and security; hence on many islands monastic sites were established such as at Devenish and White Island. Both are accessible by ferry (seasonal). During the 1939-45 War, Lough Erne played an important role as the most westerly flying boat station, from which aircraft protected the allied convoys from the U-Boat threat in the North Atlantic. Castle Archdale was the main operational/maintenance base from where Sunderlands and Catalinas flew. Evidence of this period can be found throughout the park in flying boat docks, ammunition dumps, Nissen hut bases etc. This period of the park's history is explained in an exhibiton in the Park Centre Woodland Unlike the surrounding forests which are coniferous the majority of the trees in the Country Park are deciduous. The most important tree is the native Oak which supports a great many insects and subsequently birds and other animals. Together with the Ash, the Oak forms the upper canopy of mature trees beneath which flourished a wide variety of shrubs and ground cover. Features within the Park Visitors to Lough Erne find Castle Archdale a good base with its excellent marina and slipway. Boats are available for hire for those wishing to explore the nearby islands, some of which are National Nature Reserves. Features within the Park include a red deer enclosure, rare breeds collection, wildfowl pond, nature trail, butterfly garden and wildflower meadow. To make the most of your visit, be sure not to miss the Archdale Centre which is in the corner of the main courtyard. Here you can see various exhibitions and audio visual shows which will help you to understand our efforts to conserve this beautiful part of Fermanagh. | |
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7. Lakes |
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Fermanagh Lakes & Lough MelvinMs Ann Scott , Co. FermanaghLough Erne is a big lough, some 37,800 acres, with the best trout fishing area in the lower lough. The mayfly appears about mid-May and lasts until mid-June. The early season fishing in late March up to the mayfly and again in September can also be very good. | |
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8. Woods and Forests |
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CastlecaldwellCo. FermanaghThe sheltered Castle, Birch and Kellums Bays fringe the predominantly conifer and beech forest at Castlecaldwell. These three bays are managed as a nature reserve and are just a short walk through the woodland from the Exhibition Centre. The journey through the woodland bypasses the old 17th Century castle which lies in ruins. Birds nest in its ivy clad walls. Nearing the bays, old oak trees form a ghost line along what was exposing new land. This foreshore has been colonised by natural source of food for the brimstone butterfly. This large yellow butterfly is obvious in flight during March and August but its leaf like shape gives it camouflage in the foliage. Guelder rose also occurs, and its bright clusters of scarlet berries are easily seen in early winter. Having reached the birdhide, binoculars are useful to give good views of the ducks, grebes and other water birds, such as the noisy coots. Herons stalk for prey in the shallows while evening visitors may catch a glimpse of a long-eared owl hunting along the forest edge. | |
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9. Walks |
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Florence Court and Cuilcagh MountainCo. FermanaghBoots and warm clothing advised if you are tackling Cuilcagh summit. Start at gated forest track heading east. After crossing 2 streams, at a major junction go up grassy path between young trees towards grey rocks ahead. Beyond stile join gravelly Ulster Way path along to big beech trees at the wood's end. DECISION TIME Route to Cuilcagh summit (2,188 ft, 665 m) is waymarked (yellow painted posts). Alternative initial approach for circularity. Be ready to turn back if the weather deteriorates. Return same way past ancient burial cairns of Myalla, soon rejoining shorter walk. Go L along leafy track. Look out for orchids, yellow flag iris, ferns. On down past tiny fields hedged with thorn and briar, reaching the gate on to Marble Arch Road. Recommended side visits: Marble Arch Caves and National Trust mansion of Florence Court. Distance 7 miles (11 km) 16 miles (26km) including Cuilcagh Minimum Time 3 hours (7 hours) Show me all the details for Florence Court and Cuilcagh Mountain | |
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10. Gardens |
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Florence CourtCo. FermanaghThe building's early appearance is conjectural, but its basement was evidently retained for the present house, which was erected some time during the 1750s by the first Cole's son, John Cole - the first Lord Mount Florence (1709-67). The vigorous baroque treatment of the exterior is echoed in the large stone flagged hall with its triglyph frieze, banded pilasters, pedimented door-case, massive Doric sandstone chimney-piece and linen-swag panels. Visitors who look closely at the dining-room ceiling will notice some of the small holes drilled during the 1955 fire to allow the water pumped into the room above to drain away. These holes were the result of quick thinking on the part of the late Duchess of Westminster, Viola Grosvenor, who arrived during the fire to find little urgency about saving family treasures and discovered the old butler on the stairs removing a pair of his master's socks. The National Trust acquired Florence Court as a gift in 1954 from John Henry Cole, fifth Earl of Enniskillen (1876-1963). The Trust has since successfully refurnished the building through purchase, donations and bequests. The emphasis has been on acquiring eighteenth-century Irish furniture - an admirable policy considering the quintessentially Irish character of this endearing house. | |
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11. Bird Watching |
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BirdwatchingCo. FermanaghThe silences of Lough Erne are spring broken by courting waders and wildfowl. The characteristic habitats of Lower Lough Erne are traditional hay-meadows and unimproved islands. On the upper lake flooded drumlins, reedswamp and fen are the pattern. Upper Lough Erne: Access by hire cruiser or row boat, or via small roads off B5114 and A509. Species: 5 % of the world's whooper swan overwintering. Nesting snipe, great-crested grebe, curlew, redshank, a few corncrake. Moorlough Lough: location on A34 Lisnaskea - Newtownbutler road. Species: wintering whooper swan. Lough Head/Kilmore Lough/Ross Lough: Access by lanes west of Lisnaskea. Species: winter, dabbling duck, grazing whooper swan, snipe, water rail; summer, grebes, lapwing, redshank. Inishfendra: Location island off Crom Estate west of Newtowbutler. Access restricted in breeding season. Species: Ireland's largest heronry in weathered 400-year-old oak grove. Reilly Wood: Location east off A509 at Teemore. Species: kestrel, sparrowhawk in old oakwood. Race Course Lough/Drumgay Lough Location off A32 north of Enniskillen Species wintering wildfowl. Cormorant. Lower Lough Erne: Species breeding waders, snipe, curlew, redshank; great-crested grebe in significant numbers; a few corncrake, irregular parties of whooper swan. Raptors and golden plover rear young in the uplands. Castlecaldwell Forest and Islands: Location 4 miles east of Belleek off A47. Access to shoreline at all times. Species: breeding garden, grasshopper, sedge and willow warblers, siskin, crossbill; tufted duck, red-breasted merganser, heron common and Sandwich terns on islands. Common scoter still occur in small numbers. Castle Archdale Country Park & NNR Islands: Inishmakill, Cleenishmeen/Cleenishgarve, Strongbow, Gay. Lcotion Inishmakill: 4 miles south of Kesh. Species: island-breeding garden warbler; black-headed, lesser black-backed and greater black-backed gulls. Lough Navar Forest: Location off A46 10 miles north-west of Enniskillen. Species hen harrier, merlin, peregrine, raven; crossbill. Lough Carran/Lough Ross Location off C444, west of Ely Lodge. Species whooper swan, Canada goose, wigeon, kingfisher. Upper Lough Macnean Lower Lough Macnean: Location north-west and south-east fo Belcoo village. Species wintering Greenland white-fronted goose, whooper swan; great-crested grebe. Pettigoe Plateau: Location first left off A35 east of Pettigoe. Access there are a number of points of access to this large area of blanket bogland and moors scattered with pools. Try first left of A35 east of Pettigoe. For dedicated birders only. Species breeding hen harrier, golden plover; wintering Greenland white-fronted goose. | |
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12. Visitors Centre |
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Belleek Pottery Visitors CentreMrs Patricia McCauley , Co. FermanaghAs you pass through the doors of the Visitors Centre, you will be drawn to our spectacular Centrepiece, winner of the Gold medal award at the Paris Exhibition in 1890. Lining the walls of the reception, our photography collection tells the story of Belleek, and how it was established in 1857. In our museum you will find some of the oldest pieces of Belleek in existence, some dating back over 100 years. Here Crouching Venus and The Prisoner of Love - two of our most famous pieces - sit serenely behind polished glass cases. A video presentation in our Audio-Visual theatre will take you through the production process before your tour begins. Then, to the chimes of the old brass bell once used to call village craftsmen to work, you will gather for the 20 minutes guided tour of the pottery. Starting with the Casting Shop; Fettling Shops and then on to the Flowering rooms, you will see craftsmen design, mould and shape the Parian. You will learn how the intricate strands of the basketware are woven together, using techniques passed down from generation to generation; see how tiny petals, stems and twigs are created by hand to adorn vases and pots, and discover the secret that gives Belleek Parian China its distinctive pearly glow. Only Belleek China of the highest quality leaves the pottery. Right from the outset our founder, John Caldwell Bloomfield, insisted that there would be no seconds at Belleek. Today, over 136 years later, his standard are still maintained. Beautiful Gifts available such as: Clocks, Lamps and Vases, Baskets, Collections, Figures and Special Pieces | |
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